The Things You Learn During a Headwind

Sunday, July 14, 2013
Missoula, Montana to Butte, Montana
134 miles
5,322 feet of climbing

Today was a big day on the bike - our longest mileage in a day so far, with significant climbing.  The first 100 miles of today's route was essentially a climb, a subtle 1 to 3% grade until we reached the big climb at mile 86.  For the first 35 miles or so, we faced a strong headwind.  As I was struggling to maintain 15 m.p.h., I looked up to see a billboard advertising the "31st annual Testicle Festival" to be held in Clinton, Montana July 31 through August 4.  Yes, you read that correctly - a Testicle Festival . . . advertised as the "The biggest Testy Festy yet!  You'll have a ball!  If you miss it, you're nuts!"  I later learned this is festival about Rocky Mountain Oysters, which are, in fact, testicles of some sort that people actually eat.  I've never heard of them, but I'll be sure never to order them if I see them on a menu.  Anyway, after we got off the highway and onto back roads, the headwind turned into more of a cross wind, which was easier to ride in.  The views all along the way today were magnificent - I could have taken pictures all day.  At about mile 86, the climb steepened to 7 and 8% grades until we reached the Georgetown Lake area at mile 89, at which point the route reverted back more gentle grades. Then came mile 96 - where we were awarded with a fast 15-mile descent right through the town of Anaconda (yes, like the snake) and to our final rest stop of the day at mile 113.  That wonderful descent gave my legs enough rest that I was able to pedal again for the next 24 miles to get to our hotel.  Wow - 24 miles does not seem like a very long ride anymore!  : )

Gorgeous views of the Sapphire Mountains all day

Yes - it's the Clark Fork River (yet again) making its final appearance on this Tour

Beautiful Silver Lake at the top of today's climb